LEPICOL AND CHILDREN

Over the last 2 years, we have found that we are receiving more and more enquiries concerning Lepicol and its suitability for children. On the label we state that Lepicol should not be taken by children under 11 unless supervised by a doctor or practitioner. Lepicol is made from food ingredients that are totally suitable for children. However, the reason for caution is that when Lepicol is taken with water, it swells, forming a soft gel. It is the psylium husks that are primarily responsible for this. Many foods swell when added to water, but psyllium husks swell more than most.

Our first concern is that should the husks swell whilst your child is swallowing Lepicol, then there is a very remote chance that choking could occur. Parents should be aware of this and make sure that Lepicol is mixed thoroughly with water or liquid of some description before being consumed. The second problem parents will have to address is the level of liquid to be consumed. They must ensure that the minimum levels of liquid are met, as indicated on the label.

So, how do parents ensure that sufficient liquid is taken? This is not always that straightforward. Lepicol does not contain artificial ingredients or additives that may make it taste better. In fact, many people take Lepicol for this reason, because they want it to be as pure as possible. So, given the very nature of the product, parents may need to be creative in making it taste good.

Please see ‘serving suggestions’ for some ideas.